MICHAEL Zywina is hoping to follow in the slipstream of Jensen Button and zoom all the way from go-karting to Formula One.

The 15-year-old from The Chimes, High Wycombe finished 12th in his race in the Champions of The Future Series and now has his sights set on bigger things.

The karting series is used by Formula One chiefs as a scouting ground for potential Grand Prix drivers and Zywina is hoping to be spotted.

He said: "To finish 12th in my first race is a good start. I've only been karting for a couple of years where most of the others have been doing it since they were eight.

"I'm hoping to finish in the top ten this year and then the top three next year."

His parents are certainly hoping he succeeds. Dad Tom is his mechanic and the family have backed him to the tune of £20,000 because no sponsors have been forthcoming so far despite the fact that other rounds of the Champions of The Future Series will be screened on ITV.

But his parents are expecting a return on their money when their son hits the world of Formula One.

And so far it looks good for the Royal Grammar School student after the first round in the karting series.

Michael said: "I could have done better than 12th. I'd finished in the top-ten in the heats but then got bumped on the first bend in the final and had to work my way back up the field."